News circulated that Lionel Messi, the forward known for his time with Paris Saint-Germain and the Argentina national team, agreed to join Saudi club Al-Hilal. This update comes from the sports media outlet El Chiringuito via social media channels.
The report indicates the 35-year-old attacker is poised to make the move from the Saudi league onward, with Al-Hilal reportedly lining up two former Barcelona teammates to bolster the squad: defender Jordi Alba and midfielder Sergio Busquets.
Busquets is said to have signed a two-year contract with Al-Hilal, while Alba is expected to initiate discussions with Barcelona about terminating his current deal, which remains valid for another season.
Messi’s departure would follow his move to PSG in August 2021, where his contract was set to run through June 2023.
There were earlier reports that PSG had offered Messi a new, lucrative contract extension.
Additionally, Paris Saint-Germain reportedly barred Messi from training for two weeks after he visited Saudi Arabia without formal permission. The Argentine issued a public apology to the club’s players and staff, and while many speculated about his future, the apology opened the door for ongoing discussions about his contractual status. [Source: El Chiringuito]
As fans and pundits watch closely, the potential signing of Alba and Busquets by Al-Hilal could signal a shift in the region’s football landscape, underscoring how star players influence league competitiveness and market dynamics beyond Europe. The broader context includes ongoing moves in top leagues where veteran players consider opportunities in the Middle East for competitive roles and new commercial opportunities, prompting clubs to reassess salary structures, player roles, and long-term squad planning. For supporters in North America, the development adds another chapter to the growing awareness of Saudi football investment and its impact on the global transfer market.
In the weeks ahead, official confirmations will determine whether Messi, Alba, and Busquets will join forces in Saudi Arabia, reshaping both the perception and the practical composition of Al-Hilal’s roster. Until formal announcements are made, discussions will continue among fans who recall Messi’s peak era in Europe and are curious to see how the next phase of his career could unfold.